Rugby league history
- Thread starter innsaneink
- Start date
Forty years ago, one man helped change the perception of Polynesian players in rugby league with a style of football that announced the arrival of the Polynesian power game.
Olsen Filipaina was a trailblazer. As legendary coach Graham Lowe said, "Olsen was the face of hope for many Polynesians who were disadvantaged by lack of opportunity."
Raised in South Auckland's Mangere East, a league heartland, the son of a Māori mother and Samoan boxer father, Olsen became one of the first Polynesian superstars of rugby league.
His speed, balance, power and fearlessness changed the game and inspired generations to believe they belonged on the biggest stage.
Forty years on, "The big O remains a hero, a pioneer and one of the greatest players New Zealand has ever produced. His impact on rugby league and Polynesian communities will never be forgotten.
Olsen Filpaina passed 10 February, 1922
RIP
Olsen Filipaina was a trailblazer. As legendary coach Graham Lowe said, "Olsen was the face of hope for many Polynesians who were disadvantaged by lack of opportunity."
Raised in South Auckland's Mangere East, a league heartland, the son of a Māori mother and Samoan boxer father, Olsen became one of the first Polynesian superstars of rugby league.
His speed, balance, power and fearlessness changed the game and inspired generations to believe they belonged on the biggest stage.
Forty years on, "The big O remains a hero, a pioneer and one of the greatest players New Zealand has ever produced. His impact on rugby league and Polynesian communities will never be forgotten.
Olsen Filpaina passed 10 February, 1922
RIP
WOW - the media has surely changed ................
25 June 1949 - the sideline commentary team endure cold and wet conditions during the City vs Country rugby league match played at the Sydney Showground.
Despite the weather, a crowd of 24,332 attended and watched the City team win 23-2.
25 June 1949 - the sideline commentary team endure cold and wet conditions during the City vs Country rugby league match played at the Sydney Showground.
Despite the weather, a crowd of 24,332 attended and watched the City team win 23-2.
Leck
Well-known member
I didn't have the privilege of watching Olsen, but I remember being a young fella and watching the Tigers and Bears in the1986 playoff.
Scotty Gale was unreal -
Scott Gale is a Wests Magpies and Balmain Tigers great - always held as a champ of both teams.
The Greg Alexander of his day, playing for the team every time and with such talent and flair.